It’s about time! The most exciting and adrenaline pumping event is back after a short break from racing and testing. Formula One will conclude the final explosion of the season! The deciding event will take place on the 26th of August in Istanbul, Turkey.
Let’s check on the BMW Sauber team about their views on the upcoming Turkish Grand Prix as provided by the best F1 resource of all times, newsonf1.com! I’m going to leave you with these bits of info. Dig in while I clean my Saturn EGR valve in the garage! Enjoy!
Nick Heidfeld:
"Last year, as part of an appearance for our partner Intel, I had my first opportunity to see a bit more of the city. Istanbul with its location on the Bosphorus is fascinating, but the congestion and traffic conditions are chaotic. I will be using a BMW motorbike again to get from the city centre to the race track in a fairly predictable time."
Robert Kubica:
"An amazing circuit - Turn 8 has already staked its claim to fame. Most drivers find this section quite a challenge. It is very long and in fact consists of four different bends. It’s great fun as soon as you’ve got your line sorted out. The circuit can also be pretty vicious, because occasionally you bottom out, lose traction and the car becomes unstable. We weren’t particularly fast there in 2006. I hope things will look better in 2007."
Mario Theissen, BMW Motorsport Director:
"The short summer break has been a welcome one for our race and testing team. The mechanics and engineers in particular were glad of at least a few days off after the energy-sapping weeks and months."
"But, of course, work continued full speed ahead in Munich and Hinwil even after the race in Hungary. Having established ourselves as the third strongest team in the constructors’ championship and built up a decent buffer of points between us and our nearest rivals, we certainly don’t want to relinquish that position for the remainder of the season."
"The Turkish GP is a positive addition to the Formula One calendar. They have created an excellent facility with a highly successful track layout on the Asian side of Istanbul. For the team’s partners, the city itself offers plenty of event opportunities. Logistically, as well, this GP is exceptional, involving the furthest distance for the teams with their trucks and motorhomes to travel from central Europe. The situation is eased a little thanks to the break that precedes this long trek."
Willy Rampf, Technical Director:
"The Istanbul Park offers everything you need for an interesting circuit. It has slow sections that demand good traction, but there is also the notorious Turn 8, for example, which consists of four parts but is taken in one line at around 250 km/h. Due to long, partly uphill straights, the choice on this circuit is for a medium downforce level. High aerodynamic efficiency is the key to fast lap times."